Physicist
Salary

Men represent the vast majority of Physicists in the United States. People in this role can earn an average of $87K annually nationwide. Cash earnings for Physicists — which occasionally include more than $14K from bonuses and more than $10K from profit sharing — stretch from around $50K to approximately $137K. Residence is the biggest factor affecting pay for this group, followed by years of experience. Medical benefits are awarded to most, and a majority earn dental coverage. For the most part, Physicists enjoy their work and report high levels of job satisfaction. The figures in this rundown are based on the results of PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

Job Description for Physicist

A physicist is someone who practices physics, the science of matter and energy. Physicists study the natural world from small particles to large galaxies. They conduct experiments to uncover the laws of nature, as well as study the behavior and composition of matter. They also design, conduct, and evaluate the results of experiments, methodologies, and quality-control tests. They are then responsible for communicating their results in writing and through presentations to researchers, students, funders, the public, and others. Physicists also maintain and use equipment and lab spaces, as well as provide technical support and calculations to non-physicists, students, and others. Some physicists create materials, new electronic devices, and even medical equipment.

Many physicists work in research and development. They usually work in labs and offices, but in some cases, physicists also get the opportunity to travel to exotic places to use special equipment. Most states require physicists have a doctoral degree. Physicists must also have great problem-solving speaking, writing, and communication skills.

Physicist Tasks

Maintain and use equipment and lab space.

Communicate results in writing and in presentations to researchers, students, funders, the public, and other audiences.

Design, conduct and evaluate the results of experiments, methodologies, and quality control tests.

Provide technical support and calculations to non-scientists, students, and other groups.

Physicist Job Listings

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This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

Physicists who responded to the survey report just a handful of professional skills. Most notably, skills in Research Analysis, Material Science, Nuclear Energy / Nuclear Power, and Systems Engineering are correlated to pay that is above average. Those listing Object Oriented Programming as a skill should be prepared for drastically lower pay. Competency in Material Science frequently indicates knowledge of Research Analysis.

Pay by Experience Level for Physicist

Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.

Physicists with a lot of experience tend to enjoy higher earnings. Workers with less than five years' experience earn around $72K on average, and those who have five to 10 years under their belts see a higher median salary of $87K. Six-figure salaries surface after one to two decades on the job — experienced professionals in this group reap a six-figure median of $106K. Veterans who have surpassed the 20-year mark may make only slightly more than those who are navigating the mid-career stage; the more senior group reports median earnings of around $122K.